At Living4Moments, our mission has always been to make inclusion meaningful. To help organisations recognise the value of accessibility, remove barriers, and create spaces where everyone can thrive.
So, it was an honour to attend the launch of the Lilac Disability Trading Framework at the House of Lords this week. A landmark initiative designed to make business processes fairer and more accessible for Disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
Why This Framework Matters
Developed by Small Business Britain, the Disability Trading Framework Taskforce, and the Business Disability Forum, the Lilac Disability Trading Framework represents a bold step toward inclusion in business.
Its goal is simple but powerful: to make procurement systems and supply chains accessible, inclusive, and open to all. The Framework asks large organisations to take practical actions, such as:
-Reviewing procurement processes to ensure accessibility.
-Including disabled-owned businesses in supplier diversity strategies.
-Training staff to understand the barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs.
-Actively promoting disability inclusion and sharing best practice.
-Engaging directly with disabled founders to offer guidance and support.
These commitments move inclusion from being an abstract value to something measurable and actionable. That’s where real change begins.
A Moment of Connection and Hope
The event at the House of Lords brought together a room full of inspiring entrepreneurs, advocates, and organisations. There was a sense of collaboration — people connecting through shared purpose and experience.
I was particularly pleased to see Lilac lead by example making an event inclusive by having captions and signers. It was also good to see BT recognised as one of the first signatories to the Framework, setting an example of what leadership looks like when accessibility is prioritised. Their early commitment shows how large organisations can use their influence to open doors for others.
Why It Resonates with My Work
At Living4Moments, we see inclusion as more than policy or compliance. It’s about empowering people and improving experiences. We work with organisations to understand the human impact of barriers and to create solutions that work in practice.
As someone with lived experience of hearing loss and disability, I know first hand how systems can unintentionally exclude. But I also know how powerful it can be when barriers are removed, when opportunities are opened, and people are recognised for their strengths and potential.
The Lilac Disability Trading Framework reflects those same values. It’s a reminder that accessibility and inclusion are not only the right thing to do. They are smart business choices that lead to innovation, creativity, and growth.
Looking Ahead
The launch event was more than a celebration; it was a call to action. It reminded me how much potential there is when lived experience meets leadership and when organisations listen and learn from those most affected by inaccessibility.
I left feeling hopeful that more businesses will step forward, sign up to the Framework, and commit to building a business landscape that reflects the diversity of talent in our communities.
Here’s to more open doors, stronger connections, and a future where inclusion is not an afterthought but a foundation for success.
Book now:
Register your interest for our inclusion workshops, where we support businesses to be more inclusive of disabled customers and employees.
Our next taster inclusion workshop will be a joint one with @MySightYork, an organisation aligned with Living 4 Moments’ values. We are working together to celebrate international disabilities day. The details will be in the @York Disability Week programme, which is taking place between the 29th November till the 6th December. Together, we will lead by example with and for businesses in York and North Yorkshire.
Email rachel.barber@living4moments.com for reserving on our inclusion workshop and/or the taster session on the 2nd December. Title -Taster inclusion workshop. Venue of the taster session is York St John University. Times to be confirmed but it will be in the afternoon.
Leave a Reply